#ThrowbackThursday – author Sylvia Nobel – Book Review

Renee began the #Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk“ to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! I’ll be going back over some of my oldies but goodies posted on Goodreads a while ago, my favorite authors, and some of my favorite stories from authors you might not have previously experienced. Hopefully, you’ll find either a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out. And, if you’d like to join the fun, Renee invites you to use her #TT pic. Just provide the link back to her please).

This week I am highlighting Sylvia Nobel, another terrific, prolific author who wrote Deadly Sanctuary, which I reviewed on Goodreads. She has actually written eight in the Kendall O’Dell series. This novel was published in April 28, 1998 by Nite Owl Books. She consistently runs approximately four stars or better for any of her books sold on Amazon.

Originally posted March 21, 2014

Book Blurb:

Beautiful, strong-willed reporter, Kendall O’Dell, is drawn into an evil web of conspiracy beyond anything she could have ever imagined when she accepts a position at a small newspaper in isolated Castle Valley, Arizona. Her assignment: Find out why her predecessor mysteriously vanished while working on a story concerning the unsolved deaths of two teenage girls. Why is the sheriff so hostile to her inquiries? Why is the woman operating the local shelter for homeless girls so secretive? And how is attractive rancher Bradley Talverson involved?

When the body of a third girl is discovered in the desert not far from a private mental institution, Kendall’s life hangs in the balance as she strives to uncover the horrifying secret.

Deadly Sanctuary is the first title in Sylvia Nobel’s popular mystery series, featuring spirited, flame-haired reporter Kendall O’Dell. The author’s trademark style is to produce exciting, well-written, edge-of-your-seat, adventures with “knock your socks off” surprise endings.

My Review:

Uh oh; know how some books you can just see what’s going to happen and then, sure enough, it does? That’s what happens with our heroine and her two suitors–the conundrum is in how she arrives at her choice. But it is a mystery, thriller-suspense after all and is not long before matters turn serious.

In the meantime, you have Kendall O’Dell in Castle Valley, Arizona, relocated in part because of her asthma and on assignment at a local newspaper as an investigative reporter. I enjoyed for the most part her descriptions of the dry and hot southwest and having just spent my first winter as a “snowbird” (winter visitor! the better connotation) can relate to many of the comments. Of course, author (and protagonist) gradually and grudgingly confirm their love of the area; 180 degrees from everything you’ve always enjoyed but hold you spellbound with a mysterious beauty of its own.

The plot moves along quickly as it weaves the story in and out of greater and more sinister scenarios. Kendall vacillates between beaus (obviously NOT paying any attention to your insightful hints). The bad guys and girls just keep getting nastier until Kendall is forced to penetrate the secluded bastion holding the last vestige of secrets.

Of course she is going to get caught, of course she’ll land in a black hole, and of course she’ll manage to escape–but how? Ah, but that’s what keeps you reading! Little plot twists add spice to the ending in a real gully washer sure to separate the (bad) men from the (good) women. The climax neatly wraps it all up (a little too well–some things you just don’t want or need to know), but on the whole a very enjoyable book that I got as a free BookBub offering. While the book may be pure escapism, it won’t sag or let you down. Kendall is nothing if not shrewd and is well fleshed so you can imagine the scene very well. Smart dialogue and interesting characters with a backdrop that may leave you thinking about a desert vacation. Recommended as a fast, fun, cozy read.

About the Author: (From Amazon Author page)

Sylvia Nobel, a resident of Arizona since 1961, is the author of the best-selling Kendall O’Dell mystery series and two romance novels, all set in Arizona. She is also one of the producers of the new feature film Deadly Sanctuary, based on the first book in the series. The 5th book, Forbidden Entry has now been released. Her breathtaking descriptions of the Arizona desert illustrate her love affair with the state’s unique beauty. Her main protagonist, feisty, flame-haired reporter Kendall O’Dell has been described by readers as a modern-day grown up “Nancy Drew” or a younger Jessica Fletcher from “Murder She Wrote”.

Her books are available from Nite Owl Books as well as major booksellers worldwide. Readers can participate in an adventure that provides the true ambiance of the modern west with each based on actual cases gleaned from news articles. The attention to detail and the eloquence of the masterfully written stories will give the reader a vivid picture as well as present great insight into these well researched contemporary tales. Best yet, her judicious use of language makes readers comfortable sharing these books with teens and seniors alike. She follows the same pattern with the film, Deadly Sanctuary, which has received a PG-13 rating making it suitable for just about everyone! She is an accomplished public speaker and a member of Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband and seven cats.

More Throwback Thursday Blogs

Renee at Its Book Talk

Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe

Rebecca at The Book Whisperer

Lynn at Fictionophile

Sam at Clues and Reviews

Holly B at Dressedtoread

Deanna at DeesRadReads and Reviews

Amanda at Literary Weaponry

Annie at The Misstery

Mischenko at Read Rant Rock and Roll

Laurie at Cozy Nook Books

Ann Marie at LItWitWineDine

©2018 V Williams (Desert photo attributes–my own–shot outside Phoenix/Goodyear, AZ)